The Crucifix literally means one on (or stuck on) the cross. The person on the cross is Jesus-Christ, in the Christian belief he is the son of the one lord, God. Being nailed to the cross was a form of execution in Roman times, however only the image of a cross with Jesus on it is the Crucifix. Jesus was executed for his teachings, and demonstrations.
Description.
Though this page already has several descriptions of the crucifix, lets look at it with more detail. The crucifix is the man Jesus suspended on a cross. There are nails through both of his hands, and one going through his feet, as well as ropes around his hands (often in these pictures). Jesus is primarily stripped of his cloths other than one cloth strung around his waste (often seen to be a stripping of dignity as well). Often Romans are pictured around Jesus with swords drawn, but on the actual object of the crucifix it is just the cross with Jesus on it. Jesus usually has a wound in his lower side, because it is said in the bible that a Roman stabbed him in anger. Nearly always seen though, is the crown of thorns put on his head. The crown which is traditionally put on kings or royalty is on him in this case to disgrace him.
The Crucifix symbolizes the death and holiness of Jesus-Christ, who, according to the bible, died for the sins of humanity. It is a reminder for Christians to always keep faith, and that Heaven will be waiting after death.
Summary: Though Jesus did many great things, and his lessons taught good morals, he also claimed to be the Son of God. This claim offended many people who did not believe that Jesus was really who he claimed he was. Many people believed that it was impossible, especially the Pharisees, who thought that Jesus was just trying to overthrow the religious government (he was called "King of the Jews"). Eventually, Pontius Pilot ordered the arrest of Jesus, and Jesus was crucified for his "sins" without protest. In this way, Jesus died for the sins of all of humanity, so the Crucifix stands as a powerful representation that Men on Earth can go to Heaven after death.
All denominations of Christianity accept the cross as symbol of faith and holiness, and it is very uncommon to see a church without a cross on or next to it's alter. The Crucifix has been expressed in many different ways, in many different style of art as well. Many paintings (such as the ones above) depict the artist's interpretation on th Crucifixion. Crosses are made out of many different materials ranging from bronze to marble, and occasionally wood, as the original crosses were. The Crucifix itself is never to be worshiped, as it is merely a symbol and not an entity of it's own, but are commonly held or knelt beside during prayer to help achieve a sense of unity or connection with God.
The Crucifix literally means one on (or stuck on) the cross. The person on the cross is Jesus-Christ, in the Christian belief he is the son of the one lord, God. Being nailed to the cross was a form of execution in Roman times, however only the image of a cross with Jesus on it is the Crucifix. Jesus was executed for his teachings, and demonstrations.
Description.
Though this page already has several descriptions of the crucifix, lets look at it with more detail. The crucifix is the man Jesus suspended on a cross. There are nails through both of his hands, and one going through his feet, as well as ropes around his hands (often in these pictures). Jesus is primarily stripped of his cloths other than one cloth strung around his waste (often seen to be a stripping of dignity as well). Often Romans are pictured around Jesus with swords drawn, but on the actual object of the crucifix it is just the cross with Jesus on it. Jesus usually has a wound in his lower side, because it is said in the bible that a Roman stabbed him in anger. Nearly always seen though, is the crown of thorns put on his head. The crown which is traditionally put on kings or royalty is on him in this case to disgrace him.
The Crucifix symbolizes the death and holiness of Jesus-Christ, who, according to the bible, died for the sins of humanity. It is a reminder for Christians to always keep faith, and that Heaven will be waiting after death.
Summary: Though Jesus did many great things, and his lessons taught good morals, he also claimed to be the Son of God. This claim offended many people who did not believe that Jesus was really who he claimed he was. Many people believed that it was impossible, especially the Pharisees, who thought that Jesus was just trying to overthrow the religious government (he was called "King of the Jews"). Eventually, Pontius Pilot ordered the arrest of Jesus, and Jesus was crucified for his "sins" without protest. In this way, Jesus died for the sins of all of humanity, so the Crucifix stands as a powerful representation that Men on Earth can go to Heaven after death.
All denominations of Christianity accept the cross as symbol of faith and holiness, and it is very uncommon to see a church without a cross on or next to it's alter. The Crucifix has been expressed in many different ways, in many different style of art as well. Many paintings (such as the ones above) depict the artist's interpretation on th Crucifixion. Crosses are made out of many different materials ranging from bronze to marble, and occasionally wood, as the original crosses were. The Crucifix itself is never to be worshiped, as it is merely a symbol and not an entity of it's own, but are commonly held or knelt beside during prayer to help achieve a sense of unity or connection with God.
Bibliography:
-"Crucifixion." World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras. ABC-CLIO, 2009. Web. 11 Nov. 2009. <http://www.ancienthistory.abc-clio.com >-"Cross." Encyclopedia Americana. 2009. Grolier Online. 11 Nov. 2009 <http://ea.grolier.com/article?id=0114220-00 >
-"Cross." World Book Student. World Book, 2009. Web. 11 Nov. 2009. <http://www.worldbookonline.com/student/article?id=ar141600&st=crucifix >